Bighorn Airways is a privately owned airline that has been in operation since 1945. The company was founded by William "Willy" Bighorn, who was a former United States Army Air Corps pilot during World War II.

Bighorn Airways initially operated as a small air taxi service, flying passengers from one small airport to another. The airline was initially based out of the small town of Bighorn, Wyoming, and its fleet consisted of small, single-engine propeller planes.

Over the years, Bighorn Airways has grown to become one of the largest regional airlines in the United States. The airline now operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, including regional jets, turboprops, and cargo planes. Bighorn Airways also operates a regional freight service, as well as a charter service, which provides air transportation for corporate clients.

Bighorn Airways has achieved several important milestones throughout its history. In 1951, the airline became one of the first operators of the Lockheed L-188 Electra, an all-new twin-engine commercial aircraft. In the 1960s, Bighorn Airways became the first airline to operate the newly developed Boeing 707 jetliner. In the 1970s, the airline added its first turboprop aircraft, the Beechcraft 1900, to its fleet. In the 1980s, Bighorn Airways became the first U.S. airline to operate the newly-developed British Aerospace 146-200 jetliner.

In the 1990s, Bighorn Airways began offering scheduled passenger service to major cities across the United States. The airline also began to expand its fleet with the addition of new regional jets and turboprops. In the late 2000s, Bighorn Airways became one of the first U.S. airlines to operate the Airbus A320 series of jetliners.

Unfortunately, the airline has had its share of incidents throughout its history. In 1960, one of Bighorn Airways' Lockheed L-188 Electra aircraft crashed after a wing malfunction, killing all 37 passengers and crew onboard. In the late 1990s, the airline was the subject of a federal investigation into its safety and maintenance practices. The investigation resulted in the airline being fined and its operations being placed under extra scrutiny.

Despite these incidents, Bighorn Airways has continued to evolve and grow over the years. The airline now operates a modern, diverse fleet of aircraft and provides reliable service to customers throughout the United States. Bighorn Airways is committed to providing the highest level of safety and customer service to its passengers, and the airline is constantly looking for ways to improve its operations.